Kano Commentator Dan Shagamu Brutally Murdered Despite Raising Alarm of Threats on Social Media
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Popular Kano-based social media commentator and political analyst, Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu, has reportedly been killed at his residence in Kano State after he allegedly raised an alarm on social media about threats to his safety, with no action reportedly taken before his death.
Dan Shagamu, who operated under the name Dan-shagamu International, was known for his social media videos and commentary on political, religious and community issues.
Reports circulating after his death said the commentator had earlier used social media to raise an alarm over concerns about his safety and called attention to the danger he faced. It was also alleged that his appeal did not receive the intervention he sought before he was killed.
Amnesty International Nigeria confirmed his killing in a statement issued on Wednesday, saying his body was found in a pool of blood at his home.
“Amnesty International strongly condemns the killing of a social media political commentator Ibrahim Khalil Dan Shagamu whose body was found today in a pool of blood at his home in Kano,” the organisation said.
“He was brutally slaughtered after being overpowered by his killers.”
Details of the incident, including the identity and motive of the assailants, remained unclear at the time of reporting.
Unverified accounts on social media claimed that Dan Shagamu was killed in a gruesome manner, with some describing the alleged attack as “yankan rago”, a Hausa expression referring to throat-slitting.
The reported killing has raised fresh concerns about the safety of individuals who speak publicly on sensitive political and social issues, particularly as the country approaches elections.
Amnesty International called on the authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible face justice.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate this incident and ensure that those suspected of responsibility are brought to justice,” it said, while tagging the Nigeria Police Force.
The rights organisation also expressed concern over reported political threats and intimidation ahead of the elections.
“As the elections approach, we continue to receive disturbing reports of politically related threats to life and intimidation,” Amnesty said.
Dan Shagamu’s death has triggered widespread grief among his followers and residents, with many taking to social media to express shock over the killing and pray for the repose of his soul.
The circumstances surrounding his earlier warning, including whether any formal complaint was made to security authorities and what response it received, had not been independently established at the time of reporting.